Public Comments Sought for Klamath Irrigation District Infrastructure Modernization Project

Klamath Irrigation District (KID ) proposes to modernize district irrigation infrastructure to improve the efficiency of its system. The project would include piping and/or lining canals and laterals and installing automatic flow monitoring equipment. These measures would improve the use and control over water throughout the district and be more resilient to drought.

The proposed project is regionally significant as agriculture is an essential part of the Klamath Basin's economy. Agricultural production depends on the district's ability to deliver water effectively and efficiently, particularly during drought years when surface water allocation is scarce. Modernizing KID infrastructure would improve water conveyance efficiency, reduce operations and maintenance costs, and improve drought resilience for the local agricultural community. 

The project is sponsored by Klamath Irrigation District, with funding and technical support from the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oregon. Farmers Conservation Alliance is assisting NRCS with the planning process. Members of the public are invited to learn about the proposed project, participate in a question-and-answer session, and provide feedback during a public meeting held in-person on April 9 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Meeting details are as follows:

In-Person KID Public Meeting
Thursday, April 9, 2026
1 p.m. . to 3 p.m.
Merrill Civic Center, Walt Wilson Hall
363 W Front St, Merrill, OR.

A recording of the public meeting will be available at https://watershedplans.org/klamath-id-1 after the meeting. The Draft Plan-EA can be viewed online at https://watershedplans.org/klamath-id-1 or a printed copy of the Draft Plan-EA is available at the KID Office (6640 KID Lane, Klamath Falls, OR 97603).

Public comments on the Draft Plan-EA may be submitted from March 25, 2026 through April 24, 2026.  Comments may be emailed to [email protected], submitted online at watershedplans.org; left as a voice message at the Farmers Conservation Alliance office at (541) 716-6085; or mailed to: Farmers Conservation Alliance, Attn: KID Plan, 102 State Street, Hood River, OR, 97031.

After the public comment period, NRCS will evaluate the comments and incorporate relevant comments into a Final Plan-EA. If NRCS issues a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the project and authorizes the Final Plan-EA, KID would be able to apply for funding to construct infrastructure improvements through the NRCS Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention program, authorized by Public Law 83-566. Through this program, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to local project sponsors for planning and carrying out watershed projects for the purpose of watershed protection, flood prevention, erosion and sediment control, water supply, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat enhancement. Additional information is available online at watershedplans.orgor the NRCS Oregon public notice webpage.

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. A request for an interpreter or any other accommodations should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to David Mueller at (541) 716-6085 or [email protected].